Iran's Islamic Revolution shook the world in 1979, with currents that continue to be felt today. Decades later, the details of this pivotal moment in history still hold significant weight in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. One of the key events during this tumultuous time was the forced exile of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who sought refuge in the United States for medical treatment.
The Iranian military, with the support and financial assistance of the United States government, overthrew the government of Premier Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953, paving the way for the Shah's reign. This intervention by the U.S. played a significant role in shaping the political dynamics of Iran, ultimately leading to the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
President Trump's recent decision to refrain from certifying the 2015 Iran nuclear deal harks back 38 years to another pivotal presidential decision regarding Iran. The U.S. government's perceived support for the Shah of Iran, even in his exile, has had lasting implications on U.S.-Iran relations.
Terence Smith, a correspondent in the Washington bureau of The Times, was the paper's chief White House correspondent during the Iranian Revolution. His reporting shed light on the complexities of U.S. involvement in Iran and the consequences of supporting the Shah.
Four decades have now passed since a mass political movement resulted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. For Washington, the revolution marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East and underscored the importance of understanding the region's history and culture.
From the Archive: David Rockefeller's death at age 101 brought effusive eulogies, but no recollection of his mysterious role in the Iran. His connections to the Shah and the Iranian government during his time as a prominent figure in international politics raise questions about the extent of U.S. involvement in Iran's affairs.
Lawrence K. Altman, M.D., is the medical correspondent of The Times. By Lawrence K. Altman, M.D. s princes have done since the beginning of. The Shah's entry into the United States for medical treatment highlighted the intricate web of relationships between politics, healthcare, and international diplomacy.
